Can a Wireless Printer Be Used With Cables?

by Steve Hane

Most printers with a wireless feature will also have the capability to be connected with a cable as well. USB is the most common port found on printers since 2000. Some wireless printers will also have an Ethernet port, to connect to a Local Area Network (LAN).

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is one of the most common ways a printer is connected wirelessly. Wi-Fi uses radio signals with the IEEE 802.11 technology to connect devices through a wireless router to a LAN. Typically, Wi-Fi has a range of about 120 feet (37 meters).

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is another wireless connection option that uses low-powered radio transmissions in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) range to reach about 33 feet (10 meters) with its lower-class devices, or up to 328 feet (100 meters) with its high-class devices.

USB Cable

USB, or Universal Serial Bus, has become a standard method for connecting computer peripherals such as printers. Most printers will be capable of being connected to computers by a USB cable.

Ethernet Cable

Ethernet cables allowed a wired connection to a LAN. Printers that offer a Wi-Fi connection option may also have an Ethernet port that will accept a standard RJ45 connector.

Check Your Manual

To determine what cables can be used to connect your wireless printer, check your printer's manual or the support website of your printer's manufacturer.